Justin is experiencing a myriad of chemotherapy side effects this week including foot pain, fatigue, nausea and interrupted sleep. Today it was anti-nausea meds, Tylenol, a heating pad and a movie at 3am.

Thank you for supportive comments regarding my upcoming visit to Capitol Hill.

I’m just a mom. But I live with the daily harsh realities of pediatric cancer every minute of my life. I have been there for every needle, every surgery, every bucket of vomit, every blood transfusion, every session of physical therapy, every spinal tap, every chemotherapy infusion, every pain, every scream, every tear, every sleepless night, every fear, every disappointment. I’ve been hit, kicked and vomited on. I’ve changed diapers on a five-year-old who couldn’t stand. I’ve been Justin’s nurse, psychiatrist, educator, therapist.

This is being a cancer mom. And there are times you think about getting in your car, driving away and never coming back.

But you don’t.